Planting Instructions for Muscari Armeniacum

Written by eulalia palomo| 13/05/2017

The small blue flower heads of Muscari armeniacum create a sea of colour in spring. (Andy Sotiriou/Photodisc/Getty Images)

Muscari armeniacum, commonly called grape hyacinth, is a low-growing perennial bulb that blooms in the spring. It is ideal for planting en masse to create a sea of purple or white under landscape trees, on hillsides or in wild areas. Growing only 3 to 9 inches tall, Muscari armeniacum is an effective ground cover and ideal for rock gardens. Perennial flower beds and border areas are also a delightful place to plant this diminutive flower. A colony of Muscari armeniacum will gradually increase in size as small bulbs are produced from the mature plants.

Things you need

Garden fork

Compost or manure

Trowel

Select a planting area that lies in full sun or light shade with loamy, rich, well-draining soil.

Spread a 4-inch layer of compost or seasoned manure over the planting area. Work the organic matter into the top 12 inches of soil about 10 days before planting time. Muscari armeniacum should be planted in fall before the first frost.

Dig planting holes 3 inches deep and 3 inches apart. Place one Muscari armeniacum bulb in each hole with the round end facing down and the pointed end up. Fill in the soil over the bulb and pat down the area gently.

Apply water to each newly planted bulb, soaking the soil to a depth of 3 inches.